What Happened
Classic Flying Boat Returns With Modern Upgrades
A classic flying boat from the 1940s may be making a comeback, as Amphibian Aerospace Industries and Apogee Aerospace announce a deal for 15 modernized Albatross 2.0 aircraft. The agreement, valued at $420 million, includes plans to establish manufacturing, maintenance, and systems integration capability in India. The Albatross 2.0 will feature a modern glass cockpit and Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprops, and could serve in a variety of roles, including maritime patrol, paramilitary, search-and-rescue, and commercial operations. According to AeroTime, the partnership aims to revive the aircraft as a certified transport-category amphibian, with a focus on establishing a manufacturing and maintenance presence in India.